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The next Historical Commission public meeting will be held on Monday, November 17 at 12:00 p.m. at the Fort Negley Visitors Center, 1100 Fort Negley Boulevard, Nashville, TN. You can find a full list of upcoming and previous MHC meetings on our website.
Updates at Sunnyside
If you stop by Sunnyside in Sevier Park any time soon, you'll notice a few more changes! Many thanks to James Dunn of Vintage Millwork for his work on the Summer House, which is now complete except for the copper roof. We also hope to have a new interpretive panel explaining the structure in place later this fall. We also have an updated Sunnyside brochure available at the front desk of the office, showcasing the history of the site and all of the interpretive signage.
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MetroConnect Tours at Sunnyside
Thanks to all the Metro employees who've signed up for tours at Sunnyside in October and November! MetroConnect features tours of city projects led by and for Metro employees. These behind-the-scenes tours provide Metro General Government employees with professional development, a chance to meet colleagues across departments, and insights into what's happening at Metro. Other tours this year included Metro Water, First Horizon Park, Nashville Electric Service, and NDOT's Traffic Management System.
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Upcoming and Recent Historical Marker Ceremonies
October saw new marker installations including the Primo Bartolini marker (500 block of Rep. John Lewis Way South), Compton-Burton House and Farm (Burton Hills Boulevard), and Dr. Robert F. Boyd (Meharry Medical campus-D.B. Todd Boulevard). Well-attended ceremonies occurred for each marker--thank you all for showing up and continuing to support historical markers across the county! As the weather gets colder, we'll have fewer ceremonies, but we do have at least one historical marker ceremony planned for November. Please join us downtown on the 400 block of Church Street on Saturday, November 8 at 10:00 am as we unveil a new marker for the First Masonic Hall. We'll have a few more ceremonies before the end of the year, and look forward to installing our 300th historical marker in 2026!
MHC Archaeology Update
Last week, we just started our ninth test unit at Fort Negley! Volunteers and students have been essential in helping to document what lies below the surface ahead of the future renovations to the fort. No experience is required to join us. Volunteers have also helped us to clean and identify artifacts in the archaeology laboratory. Last week we were assisted by high school students from the School for Science and Mathematics Program at Vanderbilt University and the University School of Nashville. In the laboratory, over 10,000 artifacts have been washed so far and are now being cataloged. Left: Volunteers help to classify soil in a shovel test pit at Fort Negley.
We are also working on building an online reporting form so people can document artifacts they have found on their property in the past. Please contact us if you would like to be a part of the group designing this form. Email Dr. Adam Fracchia if you are interested in participating in any of the ongoing excavations or in our archaeology laboratory.
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Davidson County Cemetery Survey update
We've added several updates to the Grants and Special Projects page of our website. Following the August 2025 presentation from consultants New South Associates, you can now find the Davidson County Cemetery Survey (DCCS) Phase 4 final report and video of the presentation of findings, as well as a Supplemental Memo on African American Cemeteries. The memo was created by our project consultants to assist us in applying for grants in 2026 that would fund a standalone phase on African American burial grounds. The memo provides an overview of findings on African American cemeteries based on the past four years of countywide survey. It also includes a list of sites as well as a suggested study list that may help inform, and assist us in advocating for, targeted grant-funded initiatives.
Cemetery Workshop at General Thomas Overton/Soldiers Rest Cemetery
On Saturday, October 25, the Metro Historical Commission co-hosted a cemetery preservation workshop with the Tennessee Historical Commission at the historic General Thomas Overton/Soldiers Rest Cemetery in Old Hickory. We had a fantastic turnout of around 25 participants for much of the day. Attendees learned basic headstone cleaning and repair skills from conservator Terry Minton (Minton Monument Cleaning) and THC cemetery specialist Graham Perry. The group also cleaned the ornate stone gates, removed leaves and other tree debris, and marked locations of numerous unmarked graves. Many thanks to CM Jeff Eslick (district 11) for supporting this work and securing donated food for the event, and to CM Erin Evans (district 12) who also participated. New South Associates, our project consultants for the countywide cemetery survey project, were also on site to share information about that initiative and their services. A huge thanks to the Tennessee Historical Commission for sponsoring this workshop—we look forward to holding more of these in Davidson County!
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Documenting Nashville's Mid-20th Century African American Neighborhoods grant update
In 2024, the National Park Service awarded an Underrepresented Communities grant to the MHC for the purpose of documenting Nashville's mid-20th century historic districts built by and for African Americans. Throughout late 2024 and early 2025, we identified several Davidson County neighborhoods tied to prominent African American entrepreneurs and professionals, districts with significant collections of mid-century architecture, and areas developed to provide housing for African American residents displaced by interstate construction, redlining practices, and other forms of racial discrimination. This project will result in the completion of a countywide National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) context and one new NRHP district nomination. Project consultants Richard Grubb & Associates presented the teams findings at the October MHC meeting. Video of the presentation has been posted to the Grants and Special Projects page of our website.
Farewell to County Historian Dr. Carole Bucy
Dr. Carole Bucy recently announced her retirement as County Historian for Davidson County. Appointed in 2011, Carole has been a tireless advocate for Davidson County history and has shared her vast knowledge with many, from tours of the Nashville City Cemetery to lectures at the Tennessee Historical Society and of course her Nashville 101 and 102 series, to name just a few. It has been an honor for everyone at MHC to work with Dr. Bucy for the past 14 years, and both the staff and Commissioners, past and present, thank her for her service and dedication to Nashville. Dr. Bucy was recently named “Distinguished University Professor,” at Cumberland University, after a long career as a history professor at Volunteer State Community College and she still is a regular speaker on Tennessee and Nashville history in all parts of the state to a variety of organizations and groups. Thank you Dr. Bucy and we wish you well!
The Historical Commission voted last month on a short list of candidates as new County Historian. That list has been submitted to the Mayor's office for his selection.
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Step Right Up – Must-Attend Events
If you don’t hurry, you’ll miss it! The last of the 2025 Ann Roberts Lecture Series takes place on November 6, from 4-6:30 PM at the Fort Negley Visitors Center, 1100 Fort Negley Blvd. NHF Board Member Sandra Shelton will share examples of Nashville modernism in photographs, showing how the style has positively impacted our city’s neighborhoods. Sandra is an engaged and knowledgeable speaker. Registration is required and the $10 fee benefits NHF and Friends of Fort Negley.
Nashville Sites is six years old! This online digital program has launched more than 40 self-guided thematic tours, covering hundreds of landmarks and sharing Nashville’s stories through their innovative, popular platform. Join NHF and Preservation Society of Nashville at a complimentary public event celebrating the milestone on November 15 from 3-4:30 PM at Sunnyside Mansion. Registration is required.
Happy Reading! New Articles on NHF’s website
Howdy! The Minnie Pearl Story spotlights a new, definitive biography on a beloved performer by NHF Board Member Mary Ellen Pethel and Dr. Don Cusic.
The Satsuma Tea Room and its Two Remarkable Founders follows the paths of female founders, Arlene Ziegler and Mabel Ward, who moved to Nashville and opened a restaurant that both served delicious food and hosted both suffragists and anti-suffragists in the years before the 19th Amendment was ratified.
New entries are posted at least once a month and can be found in the Archives section. You can also follow NHF on Instagram @nashvillehistoricalfoundation.
During the month of October, the City Cemetery hosted over 30 tours and events, including the always popular Lantern Led tours. Thank you to all those who supported the NCCA by attending a tour!
The City Cemetery was recently highlighted by the Nashville Scene in their "Death Issue," released on October 30. Cemetery Manager Bryan Gilley and NCCA President Oliver Arney were both interviewed, and discussed the increasing interest from locals and tourists in visiting the cemetery. See below for some other exciting events coming up at the cemetery.
On November 8 at 12:00 pm, Nashville City Cemetery Association will host a ceremony in honor of the nine Revolutionary War veterans laid to rest in the cemetery, marking the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States Army and in recognition of Veterans’ Day. The event will include a reading of each veteran’s name, the solemn tolling of the historic cemetery bell, and an invitation for attendees to bring flowers to place upon the graves. Among those honored will be Revolutionary War officer and Father of Nashville, James Robertson. Council Member Terry Vo will say his name and ring the bell in honor.
The fourth annual Goth Bats Nashville cemetery picnic is Sunday, November 9, from 12:00-3:00 pm at Nashville City Cemetery. This event is a food drive/fundraiser for Second Harvest Food Bank.
On Sunday, November 9, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm, the Nashville City Cemetery Association, in partnership with Hands on Nashville, is hosting a volunteer day at the cemetery, where volunteers will help clean 10 interpretive markers.
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Join Metro Parks' Community Centers at the Unity Day Celebration on October 25 at the Southeast Community Center Park. Metro Parks stands up against bullying and invite you to join us hand in hand.
Centennial Park and the Parthenon: Guided architecture and museum tours are available each month! The AIA- Nashville Society Book Club will meet on November 4 to discuss the book The Feather Thief by Kirk Wallace Johnson. Join the creative community of Metro Parks Visual Arts and Centennial Art Center on November 21 for a festive evening of art, music, and refreshments while taking in the work made by students and staff working throughout Metro Parks Visual Arts programs.
Fort Negley: Experience a guided tour of the fort on November 1. Also on November 1, enjoy a perfect outdoor day at Fort Negley Park during the Views and Brews event series from 3:00 pm until dark. Join the Nashville History Club on November 4 and November 18 from 1:00-2:00 pm. Living History with the Illinois 10th Infantry takes place on November 7, the Fort Negley Laborers Flag Planting is on November 8, and the Nashville Civil War Roundtable meets on November 18.
Two Rivers Mansion: Join the Irish Network Nashville for an exciting evening on Friday, November 14 for the annual Irish Network Nashville Whiskey Tasting! This fundraising event will include live acoustic music from Billy Herring of 1916 Band, guided tastings of classic and rare whiskeys, light bites, and a cash bar.
Shelby Bottoms/ Cornelia Fort: Enjoy a relaxed, scenic bike ride along the Shelby Bottoms Greenway, beginning at Cornelia Fort Airpark trailhead on November 15. Along the way, make several stops to explore and discuss the park’s rich plant life as part of the Pedals and Petals ride.
The Main Library will remain closed following the fire in the adjacent parking garage.
On Saturday, November 8, Elliott Robinson from NPL Special Collections presents the stories of NPL’s world-renowned Civil Rights Room at the Bordeaux branch library. This presentation will discuss how Nashville responded to becoming the first major Southern city to try to comply with the Supreme Court’s 1954 Brown v. Board decision; and how young college students, black and white, began staging sit-in protests at local lunch counters in 1960, responding to racial inequities in service at downtown Nashville businesses. Learn more about Special Collections’ resources, and the kinds of programs we provide in what is now an official stop on the United States Civil Rights Trail.
The Tennessee Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial offers two grant opportunities for organizations and communities centered around Tennessee’s unique stories. The total combined allocation for these two grant opportunities is $3,500,000. The two grant opportunities are:
Project Support Grants (up to $20,000)
Community Support Grants (up to $25,000)
Grants are facilitated by the Tennessee State Museum and will be reviewed until funding is exhausted. Successful grant applicants will propose projects that support the mission of the Tennessee Semiquincentennial Commission, which is to promote an inclusive statewide celebration and educational commemoration of America’s 250th by interpreting and preserving Tennessee’s unique stories, objects, landmarks, and places across our diverse state that defined who we are as Tennesseans and Americans. The Commission has a statewide focus on Tennesseans and Tennessee events that have shaped American democracy from the Revolutionary era to the present.
Both Project Support and Community Support Grant applications will be accepted until January 20, 2026 (11:59 p.m. CST). Applicants for the September deadline will be notified of acceptance or rejection by October 30, 2025. Applicants for the January deadline will be notified of acceptance or rejection by February 26, 2026. Additional deadlines may be added at a later date if funding is available. Grants will be made until funding is exhausted.
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Afro-American Historical & Genealogical Society--monthly virtual meeting--November 1
Andrew Jackson's Hermitage--Virtual Book Club Meeting: John Jay, Federalist Papers 2-5, Foreign Influences--November 4
Andrew Jackson's Hermitage--Homeschool Days: Native America at 250--November 6
Bellevue Harpeth Historic Association--Moving Belle Vue I Cabin--November 10
Nashville Zoo at Grassmere--Celebrate Reading Days--November 8-9
Nashville Zoo at Grassmere--Zoolumination--opens November 13
Belle Meade Historic Site--Holiday Open House--November 13
TN State Museum--In Conversation: David Wright, Historian With a Brush--November 15
Belle Meade Historic Site--The Art of Belle Meade--November 18
TN State Museum--Homeschool Day: Native American History Month--November 18
Cheekwood Estate & Gardens--Holiday LIGHTS--opens November 21
Andrew Jackson's Hermitage--Holiday Market at the Mansion--November 22
Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum--From Where I Stand: The Black Experience in Country Music-online exhibit
Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum--Music Row: Nashville's Creative Crossroads--online exhibit
Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum--Night Train to Nashville: Music City Rhythm & Blues--online exhibit
Frist Art Museum--Architecture Tours--each Saturday and Sunday at 3:30 pm
National Museum of African American Music--Nissan Free Wednesday--free admission on the first Wednesday of each month courtesy of Nissan
TN State Museum--Hands -On History--Tuesday-Friday at 10:30 am
TN State Museum--Museum Highlight Tours--Tuesday-Saturday at 2:00 pm
Check out our online newsletter archives!
Have a preservation-related event that you want us to include? Send a message to Jessica.Fitzpatrick@nashville.gov
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